The real test begins

The international break is about to finish and with it, all of Europe's top clubs will get into a period of a much more intense rhythm between league games and first Champions League encounters. Barcelona is no exception, as Valverde's team is gearing up for seven different key matches in the next few weeks.

team

Competition

We haven't seen the best version of Ernesto Valverde's men yet. The fragility in the defence, the lack of aim, and the plague of injuries have meant that the team has obtained only four of nine possible points, but for all players that are yet to come out of the preseason snoozing, the real test begins now.

Like Real Madrid, which will have a very demanding coming weeks, Barcelona aims to raise its performances and start adding points. Although the season has just started, the first results are very important for the team's dynamics.

That's why Barcelona is already looking towards Valencia, their rival on Saturday (21.00). The Blaugranas will meet with the team that deprived them of the last Copa del Rey, so their desire for revenge can be positive for the team's spirit.
Three days later, Valverde and his team will visit Dortmund for their Champions League debut against De Favre's team, the second milestone of the month. Afterwards, they will travel to through Los Cármenes to face Granada, then Villarreal at home and Getafe on the next LaLiga game.

If that wasn't enough, Valverde's last two games before the next international break will see him face Conte's Inter on October 2, with new signings Lukaku and Sanchez making it even more interesting, and the always intimidating Sevilla four days later in the Camp Nou.

Barcelona's rest of the course will depend on how well the team manages to perform against the biggest rivals. A defeat, a draw and a victory in three games and the irregular performances in Pamplona and Bilbao make winning a must. With the return of Luis Suarez and Messi on the horizon, optimism begins to take over, but it will depend on the Catalan's ability to perform.